UK Watchdog Launch Investigation Into Oasis Ticket Pricing
The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into Ticketmaster after fans were left shocked by skyrocketing prices for Oasis reunion tour tickets.
Fans, eager to see the band’s long-awaited return, were met with “dynamic pricing” that saw tickets double from the advertised £148 to as much as £355, sparking outrage.
Dynamic pricing, which adjusts costs based on demand, is at the centre of the CMA's probe. The watchdog will explore whether Ticketmaster misled buyers or pressured them to purchase tickets without giving clear information about potential price increases.
CMA chief Sarah Cardell emphasised, “It’s important that fans are treated fairly when they buy tickets,” adding that the authority is seeking evidence from those who felt they were caught off guard by the price hikes.
While Ticketmaster insists it doesn't control ticket prices and that decisions are made by event organisers, the investigation will look at their role in the pricing process. Ticketmaster's parent company, Live Nation, has also been pulled into the conversation due to its connections with the promoters for the Oasis tour.
Oasis themselves distanced the band from the issue, stating that they “leave decisions on ticketing and pricing entirely to their promoters and management."
Fans have expressed their frustration, with some waiting for hours in online queues only to find tickets priced significantly higher than expected.
The CMA is encouraging fans to submit their experiences, including screenshots of the purchasing process, to help with the investigation. The agency clarified that dynamic pricing itself isn't illegal but must be implemented transparently, without misleading consumers.
This isn’t the first time Ticketmaster has faced scrutiny. In 2022, the company was criticised for its handling of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour tickets, leading to widespread public complaints and a Senate hearing in the U.S.
Now, with Oasis adding two more shows at Wembley Stadium and introducing a ballot system for fans who missed out, the CMA investigation could bring further consequences for the ticketing giant.
As the probe continues, the government and the European Commission have also promised to review ticketing practices to ensure transparency and fairness in the industry. For now, fans and regulators alike are watching closely to see if Ticketmaster has indeed breached consumer protection laws.
